Just like that, Meng Shuping was carried to the entrance of Old Madam Fu's courtyard. As he alighted from the sedan chair, he heard someone call out, "Ping Ge'er!"
Meng Shuping turned to see Lady Feng. She quickly approached him, a smile gracing her lips. "Are you also heading to the Old Madam's place? Let's go together."
Meng Shuping nodded, and the two stepped into the courtyard. Immediately, they noticed a table inexplicably set up in the yard. It was draped with a yellow cloth, upon which sat an incense burner, fruits, a wooden sword, and talisman papers. Meng Shuping was utterly bewildered—*what was the meaning of this?*
Even as he entered the room, Meng Shuping pondered why Old Madam Fu had summoned him.
*Could it be that after giving me a welcoming gift yesterday, she now regrets it and wants it back?*
*No way! She wouldn't, would she? Doesn't she care about her reputation?*
Lady Feng's lips curved upward. *Haha, it seemed the impression of the Old Madam's petty nature wasn't going away anytime soon.*
Old Madam Fu had been waiting inside for a long time, but Meng Shuping still hadn't arrived. And as soon as he did, he immediately started silently criticizing her again. She struggled to suppress her displeasure, forcing a smile.
"Ping Ge'er, you're here? Let me introduce you—this is the renowned Taoist Master Yifeng of the Yuxiao Sect."
Taoist Master Yifeng flicked his fly whisk, adopting an air of profound mystery.
Seeing this, Lady Feng grew concerned. Earlier, when she heard that the Old Madam had insisted on Meng Shuping coming, she feared the Old Madam was plotting something malicious.
Now, it seemed her suspicions were confirmed.
She discreetly glanced at Meng Shuping. *Surely nothing would go wrong, right?*
The Fourth Madam, also present, wore an expression of amusement, eager to see whether Meng Shuping was truly human or some kind of strange creature.
Meng Shuping had no idea why Old Madam Fu was introducing this Taoist to him. Confused, he replied flatly, "Oh, so this is Taoist Master Yifeng!"
*Taoist Master Yifeng? Who's he? Never heard of him. Is he sleepy? He looks like he's about to doze off.*
Taoist Master Yifeng's eyes snapped open wide. *Sleepy? That was his master's aura! Did this kid have no appreciation at all?*
Old Madam Fu's cheek twitched, but she ignored the comment and continued, "Taoist Master Yifeng's Taoist arts are exceptionally profound. Not only is he highly skilled in talismanic healing, but he's also adept at exorcising evil spirits and warding off disasters.
I heard that not long ago, the Li family was plagued by evil spirits, and it was Taoist Master Yifeng who subdued them!"
Taoist Master Yifeng looked quite pleased. "You are too kind. My Taoist arts still have room for improvement."
Old Madam Fu praised, "Master, there's no need to be modest. Everyone who has met you speaks of your power. As soon as you arrive, all evil spirits flee in terror."
Taoist Master Yifeng humbly replied, "I am humbled."
Old Madam Fu glanced discreetly at Meng Shuping, curious if he would show any signs of panic.
Ever since she had started hearing Meng Shuping's inner thoughts yesterday, she had suspected that he might be possessed by some malevolent presence.
So early this morning, she had sent someone to invite this Taoist master over.
Meng Shuping was utterly unimpressed by Old Madam Fu's flattery. *Talismanic healing? Exorcising evil? Come on—it's all fake!*
*Ignorance is truly terrifying. Superstition is pointless. If you're sick, go see a doctor. What's the use of finding a Taoist?
Oh, maybe he can help you be sent to heaven early. Haven't enough people been killed by these so-called masters?*
Honestly, the Old Madam is so easily fooled. How can she believe this? And she's the matriarch of a noble house? She's no different from a superstitious old woman from the countryside.*
Old Madam Fu stifled a laugh, nearly choking back her anger. *Hmph, he'll soon find out just how powerful Taoist Master Yifeng is.*
Taoist Master Yifeng's expression also darkened.
After all, no one would be happy to be called a fraud. But he wasn't worried—he had managed to gain a reputation among many households, and he wasn't just all talk.
He immediately turned to Meng Shuping and said with a frown, "I see that this young master…"
Meng Shuping couldn't help but speculate, *He's not going to say I have a dark aura between my eyebrows and that I'm in for some bloodshed soon, is he?*
Taoist Master Yifeng choked on his words. Fortunately, he was experienced and quickly adjusted what he was about to say. "...has a negative energy surrounding his face.
He may encounter some difficulties recently."
*Tch, I knew it would be this routine. Well, if everyone were doing fine, where would these con artists find their easy targets?*
Seeing how relaxed Meng Shuping seemed, Lady Feng felt slightly relieved. Since he was still in the mood to joke, he probably could handle the situation.
Old Madam Fu, however, thought Taoist Master Yifeng's words were spot-on. She had heard that yesterday, as soon as Meng Shuping returned, he had gotten into a fight with Yang Ge'er from the third branch, and Sun Shi from the third branch had even caused a commotion at the second branch's place.
Wasn't that proof of difficulties?
She said with agreement, "Exactly! That's why I invited the Taoist master here—to perform a cleansing ritual for him, so he won't have to suffer as many misfortunes as before."
On the surface, Meng Shuping remained calm, but inwardly, he was astonished. *What? She wants to perform a ritual for me?*
Seeing Meng Shuping's reaction, Old Madam Fu felt quite pleased.
Hmph, now you're scared, aren't you? It's good that you're scared. Soon, the Taoist master will subdue you.*
But before she could revel in her satisfaction for long, she heard Meng Shuping think, *There's no need, really no need. These rituals are just for peace of mind—they don't actually do anything.
Honestly, instead of spending money on a Taoist, why not give the money to me? I might even say a few nice things about her. Why let an outsider benefit?*
Throwing money at outsiders but being tight-fisted with family—the Old Madam really doesn't know how to manage things.*
"Ahem—" Lady Feng almost burst out laughing but managed to hold it back just in time, covering it up.
Old Madam Fu: "..."
She felt a tightness in her chest, too angry to speak after hearing Meng Shuping's thoughts. So she immediately said to Taoist Master Yifeng, "Taoist Master Yifeng, please begin now."
Taoist Master Yifeng gave Meng Shuping an annoyed glance, then nodded slightly. With an air of ethereal grace, he rose from his chair and walked into the courtyard.
Everyone hurriedly followed him to the area near the table set up earlier.
Curious about what Taoist Master Yifeng was capable of, Meng Shuping also followed the crowd into the courtyard.
By now, the candles on the table had been lit by the acolyte who had arrived earlier. Taoist Master Yifeng stood in front of the table, took three incense sticks, lit them, and respectfully placed them in the incense burner.
Then, he pressed his palms together, raised them slightly, turned his left palm upward with his middle and ring fingers bent, and formed a sword gesture with his right hand, circling it around his left hand.
After this, he picked up a golden, cup-like object from the table, held it in his left hand at chest level, and hovered two fingers of his right hand above it, beginning to chant,
"Heavenly spirits, earthly energies, seven stars above..."
Although the scene looked quite solemn, Meng Shuping couldn't help but want to laugh. *Pfft—I never expected Taoist Master Yifeng's acolyte to be doing intricate hand gestures.
He's got quite a talent for dance.*
Unlike Taoist Master Yifeng, the acolyte didn't have much to do and basically kept repeating a series of intricate hand gestures, which Meng Shuping found completely bizarre.
Taoist Master Yifeng's chanting faltered suspiciously for a moment but quickly resumed. "...by the decree of the gods!"
Old Madam Fu shot him a fierce glare.
They were in the middle of a ritual—couldn't he take it seriously?*
*But what were intricate hand gestures?*
Just then, the acolyte finally stopped the intricate hand gestures and quickly grabbed something from a bowl on the table, throwing it toward the burning candles.
Instantly, a flash of fire erupted from the candles.
The maids and elderly servants watching nearby gasped in awe. "Wow!"
Meng Shuping looked disdainful. *What's there to wow about? It's just white phosphorus.
Anyone could throw some and get the same effect.*
Taoist Master Yifeng was startled—*this kid figured it out?* He struggled to maintain his composure and shouted, "Evil spirit! Where do you think you're escaping to!"
Then, he picked up the peachwood sword from the table and began waving it around as if battling evil spirits.
Meng Shuping watched and critiqued, *Hahaha, he looks like he's throwing a fit!*
*But this Taoist Master Yifeng's professional skills don't seem to be cutting it. Look—shaky footing, clumsy movements, not sleek enough in posture, not graceful in form.
If there were really evil spirits, they'd probably take him out with one swipe. Maybe he should go back and practice for a few more years.*
In truth, Taoist Master Yifeng's performance was acceptable in the eyes of others, but Meng Shuping, having seen all sorts of elegant gestures and movements in the modern era, found Taoist Master Yifeng's act rather lacking.
Seeing Meng Shuping bad-mouth Taoist Master Yifeng like this, Old Madam Fu couldn't hold back any longer. She said unhappily, "Ping Ge'er, Taoist Master Yifeng's sword techniques for slaying demons are incredibly powerful. Countless evil spirits have been vanquished by his sword.
You shouldn't underestimate them."
Meng Shuping let out an "oh," unfazed. *Demon-Slaying Sword Technique? Hmph, if I were to unleash my Lightning Rush Punch, how would you respond to that?*
Old Madam Fu and the others stared at him in surprise—could it be that this young man also knew Taoist magic?
Hearing this, Taoist Master Yifeng's steps faltered for a moment before quickly steadying again. Could it be that Meng Shuping was actually a genuine practitioner of the Tao?
His expression turned serious, and he resolved to quickly show off his skills to prevent others from doubting him.
After a few more swings, he took out a yellow talisman, took a mouthful of water, and sprayed it onto the paper.
Instantly, a bleeding ghostly figure appeared on the talisman. The onlookers gasped in shock and stepped back. Taoist Master Yifeng glanced at Meng Shuping and saw him spacing out, which made him quite pleased with himself.
"Don't worry, everyone—this evil spirit has been slain by my sword!"
Old Madam Fu also breathed a sigh of relief. With Meng Shuping looking like that, had the evil within him been expelled?
But before she could fully relax, she heard Meng Shuping's voice, suddenly enlightened: *Oh, I finally remember! It seems like the ghost figure was drawn on the paper with lye water, which leaves no trace once dried.
Then, during the ritual, you just spray some saffron solution, and it turns into a bloody ghost.*
Old Madam Fu's expression twisted in frustration. Why was that voice still there?